Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/867389
METRICS 12 WINES&VINES September 2017 Direct to Consumer J uly is often the slowest month for direct- to-consumer (DtC) shipments, but this year Wines Vines Analytics/ShipCompli- ant reported $100 million worth of wine shipped—23% more than July 2016. Volume totaled 274,569 cases, up 15% from July 2016. This year delivered the strongest July for the channel in five years. Cabernet Sauvignon remains No. 1, with $744 million worth of the varietal shipped in the 12 months ended July (up 18% from a year ago). Pinot Noir and red blends followed, with Chardonnay—the only white varietal in the top eight—in fourth place, with shipments of $193 million. The major wine types all experienced dou- ble-digit growth, unlike last year, when spar- kling wine and red blends rocked the chart with 85% and 27% growth, respectively. Spar- kling wines and Zinfandel led growth this year at 25% and 22%, respectively, while Pinot Noir (21%) outpaced red blends (13%) to become the second most-shipped varietal. —Peter Mitham Strong DtC Shipments in July Buck Seasonal Trend Source: Wines Vines Analytics/ShipCompliant; 12 months through July 2017. DTC SHIPMENTS $ Millions 0 $200 $400 $600 $800 Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Red Blends Chardonnay Zinfandel Merlot Syrah/Shiraz Sparkling Source: Wines Vines Analytics/ShipCompliant; 12 months through July 2017. DTC SHIPMENTS GROWTH RATE 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Red Blends Chardonnay Zinfandel Merlot Syrah/Shiraz Sparkling Percent change